Cobi Hamilton Rounds Out Bengals Practice Squad

Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Cobi Hamilton (87) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It looks as though the Bengals have completed their practice squad by resigning wide receiver Cobi Hamilton.

The Bengals drafted Cobi Hamilton with a sixth round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.  Hamilton was considered to be a steal at the time after having a strong collegiate career at Arkansas.  Hamilton set the Arkansas catches record with 175 while accumulating 2,835 yards across his career.  He set Arkansas’ single season catches and yards records with 90 catches (90) and 1335 yards; he also set an SEC record with 303 receiving yards in one game.

Hamilton was expected to make the roster prior to camp after spending his rookie year on the practice squad.  But Hamilton has struggled with consistency and drops, which has kept him from producing on the field the way the talented receiver could.  Hamilton will have another opportunity to continue to grow as a receiver with the Bengals while learning the Bengals’ playbook.  The Bengals have been resigning their core players the last few years and will not be able to afford everyone on their loaded roster in the long run.  Because their wide receiver depth is so incredible, it’s realistic that some of the unit’s players could move on in the years to come.  If Hamilton can correct his drops and become consistent as a receiver, the Bengals will have attained the kind of talent they thought they did in 2012.  And if he does this, Hamilton may find himself a significant role in the Bengals’ offense in the coming years.